About PVQA
The last few decades have seen quilt making evolve into a new art form, no longer the exclusive domain of grandmothers and full time homemakers. Central Coast quilters are all ages skill levels and pursue many different careers: engineering, chemistry, library management, interior decorating, and law. Quilters have turned a hobby into a cottage industry as professional machine quilters, quilting teachers, fabric designers, and fashion industry creators of wearable art.
Founded in 1978 by a small group of women who had taken a quilting class together, the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) has blossomed from the original 56 charter members at the end of that first year to 400 members, one of the largest guilds in the state.
Monthly meetings offer a wide variety of topics and workshops. Members are encouraged to not only learn the traditional quilt block patterns and techniques, but to expand their repertoire of skills to include art quilts, fabric sculptures, and wearable art. One readily apparent trend in quilt-making is the move away from larger bed quilts to smaller, wall-hung quilts that can be used as a decorating accessory in any room of the house. These wall or lap quilts have the advantage of being completed quickly and changed seasonally.
The group meets monthly at Temple Beth El at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and feature nationally recognized quilt artists from around the U.S. Recent topics have included photo transfer to fabric, broderie purse (Persian embroidery), renegade sewing, and machine quilting.
The purpose of the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) is to encourage the art of quilt making and quilt preservation. PVQA is a nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the annual quilt show are used for community service outreach projects: working with school children, and annually providing several hundred quilts for various local charities. PVQA also supports the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles.
Membership: PVQA membership is open to everyone. Guests are welcome! Annual Dues is $25.00, $20.00 for students & Seniors (62+), $30.00 families, and $35.00 for affiliates.
Directions: PVQA meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road @ Soquel in Aptos. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. From Watsonville - take Hwy 1 north to the Park Avenue exit, turn right on Park and continue to Soquel Drive. Turn right at Soquel Drive, and proceed about .25 of a mile to Porter Gulch Road, which is on the left. The Temple is the first driveway on the left. From North -- Take Hwy 1 south to the Park Avenue exit, turn left on Park and continue to Soquel Drive. Turn right at Soquel Drive, and proceed about .25 of a mile to Porter Gulch Road, which is on the left. The Temple is the first driveway on the left. Click here for directions.
Charter Members
Pajaro Valley Quilt Association honors the charter members who in 1978 worked to form our guild, produce quilt shows, and develop the atmosphere for creativity that exists today.
Contact PVQA
For inquires about PVQA or for questions about the website, email the webmaster at
